New New York Jets GM John Idzik praised Mark Sanchez, right, for how he has handled the team's confusing quarterback situation, including the past season with Tim Tebow, left. / USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

Tim Tebow was cut after the NFL draft because the addition of Geno Smith in the second round nudged him out.

That's the way New York Jets general manager John Idzik explained his team's quarterback situation Tuesday.

"Obviously, we went into the draft not knowing what to anticipate as far as what positions we would come out with," Idzik said during an appearance on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike in the Morning. "Drafting Geno in the second round, it became apparent we had six quarterbacks. Something had to give, and we felt it was appropriate at that time to release Tim."

The something that gave could have been quarterbacks Matt Simms, Greg McElroy, David Garrard or Mark Sanchez. But no, the Jets decided to let go of Tebow, who has struggled as an NFL passer and didn't make an impact in his one season as a utility player for the Jets.

Idzik said he didn't speak to Tebow about lining up anywhere other than under center.

"No, we didn't," said Idzik, who was hired in January. "While I was here, he was slated as a quarterback here."

The Jets kept Tebow through the draft to see if maybe he could be traded. Idzik was asked about any discussions that might have materialized.

"I don't know if it was allowing him to seek a trade. The way we looked at it was we had a player on our roster we would want to allow to compete," Idzik said, adding: "I won't get into too much as far as speculative calls. Suffice it to say, especially during free agency and leading up to the draft, there's a lot of kicking tires. We'll field those calls, but if it's not in the best interest of the Jets, we'll just hold firm."

Idzik continued to say what he has said since he arrived and what he reiterated after the Jets selected Smith: It's an open competition at quarterback.

Sanchez remains at the front of that competition and received praise from his new GM for the way he has dealt with the Tebow situation, the Garrard signing and the selection of Smith.

"Mark has been very even-keeled and I told him that I really admire how he's handled some very difficult situations," Idzik said. "The same holds true now. He's involved in our offseason program and now we're into Phase 2, so we can actually throw. He's focused, he's energized and very positive."